© Bibliothèque nationale de France / Gallica
Æ40 - Gordian III ΛΟΛ ΞΕΝΟΦΙΛΟϹ ΑΡΧ Α ΤΟ Β ΤΗΜΕΝΟΘΥΡΕΥϹΙ
| Bronze | 39.9 g | 28.9 mm |
| Issuer | Temenothyrae (Conventus of Sardis) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Gordian III (Marcus Antonius Gordianus) (238-244) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 238-244 |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 39.9 g |
| Diameter | 28.9 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#412394 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Athena seated, left, holding Nike on globe and spear; next to her, shield.
Script: Greek
Lettering: ΛΟΛ ΞΕΝΟΦΙΛΟϹ ΑΡΧ Α ΤΟ Β ΤΗΜΕΝΟΘΥΡΕΥϹΙ
Comment
Magistrate of Lollius Xenophilos (first archon for the second time)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a rare and unique reverse design, depicting the goddess Athena standing on a prow, holding a spear and a shield. This design is not commonly found on coins of the Roman Empire, and its presence on this coin suggests that it may have been specifically minted for a military campaign or to commemorate a naval victory. Additionally, the use of the title "ΛΟΛ ΞΕΝΟΦΙΛΟϹ" (LOL XENOPHILOS) which means "foreigner-loving" in Greek, suggests that the coin may have been minted to promote unity and cooperation between different cultures and cities within the empire.